The opening of this verse serves as an introduction to the wine servant’s dream. Some may find it appropriate to shorten this introduction as in the case of Good News Translation.

In my dream there was a vine before me: the Hebrew hinneh is commonly used when reporting the content of a dream. It is expressed in Revised Standard Version as there was. The vine refers to a grapevine. Before me means “in front of me” or “facing me.”

The translation of vine is often a problem. In many areas of the world, grapevines and grapes are unknown. Vines may be common, but the local vines may produce no fruit that is eaten. If this is the case, it is often possible to shift from vine to “bush” and from grape to “fruit.” If a local vine produces fruit that is eaten by people, then the name of such a vine and its fruit may be used. However, for a more detailed treatment of vine, see the comments on 9.20-21.

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .